Brockton youth sports program seeks $20,000 for equipment

The fundraising coordinator for the Brockton Raiders youth football and cheer teams is hoping to raise thousands of dollars for the youth sports program through a GoFundMe page.

Anna Burgess The Enterprise @AnnaBurgess_ENT

BROCKTON -- A city parent is hoping to raise thousands of dollars for the Brockton Raiders youth sports program, through a GoFundMe page.

Sakina Bennett, the fundraising coordinator for the Brockton Raiders youth football and cheer teams, started a GoFundMe page in April to raise money for equipment, uniforms, and other costs of the sports program. Bennett is ramping up the fundraising campaign this month.

The fundraising goal is $20,000, according to the GoFundMe page. The money would be used to buy new equipment, uniforms, and keep registration costs as low as possible, Bennett said.

“Our team is struggling for equipment for our players, and also funding for fields and referees,” she wrote in a Monday message to the Enterprise.

“As a non-profit organization with no financial support, helping these families and children along with the daily organizational expenditures becomes harder and harder every year as we continue to grow,” Bennett wrote on the GoFundMe page. “In these tough economic times, which we very much acknowledge, the Brockton Raiders are reaching out to and could use your help.”

The team is part of the American Youth Football & Cheer League, and was created to provide positive activities and role play for the youth of Brockton.

The program includes six youth tackle football teams and cheerleading squads, for children ages 5-16.

Its main goal, Bennett said Monday, is to “make sure kids get off the street and have something to do.”